Conservation psychology: The future of conservation built upon a legacy

Abstract

The role that the social sciences play in conservation has been strengthened and codified over the past 20 years by many important contributions. This includes the influences of Dr. Carol D. Saunders who coined the term “Conservation Psychology” in a 2003 special issue of Human Ecology to identify a more efficient way for those with psychological expertize to work together towards a common mission. In this introduction to Zoo Biology's special issue on Conservation Psychology, we discuss the articles that make up this collection and propose further avenues for research and consideration within the field.